16 year-old Seheni Kariyawasan launches debut novel ‘The Chameleon’

Friday, 19 January 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

‘The Chameleon’ a dark, murder mystery written by Seheni Kariyawasan and published by Vijitha Yapa Books, was launched at a recently concluded book launch at The Kingsbury. Eminent Sri Lankan writer Ashok Ferry graced the event as Chief Guest, while Asian International School (AIS) Principal Harshana D. Perera and Hayleys PLC Chairman and Chief Executive Mohan Pandithage were Guests of Honour at the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Ashok Ferrey commended, “Seheni’s literary abilities and level of maturity as admirable in someone so young.” AIS Principal Harshana Perera in his speech highlighted that it was indeed “heartening and rare to find this level of dedication in a young student.” Vijitha Yapa, publisher of the book also addressed the gathering and stated, “As a publisher I feel proud to have published this book. I see it as the first step in achieving something great in this world. Perhaps Seheni will be the first author living in Sri Lanka to achieve great fame in the literary world.” Hayleys PLC Chairman and Chief Executive Mohan Pandithage commented on how he has known Seheni since childhood, and that she has indeed made her parents and school proud, with this commendable achievement. A former student of Bishops College and current student of Asian International School, The Chameleon is Seheni’s first novel which she started at the age of 14 and completed by the age of 15.

The Chameleon is a very complicated literary piece, with robustly structured storylines, shocking connections and mind-boggling revelations. Although written by a young girl the content is meant for adult consumption and is a riveting, thought-provoking read, with many heart-stopping moments. The complex twists and turns of the novel clearly showcase Seheni’s’ level of maturity as a writer, along with her astute command of the written word and her ingenious ability to draw in her readers into an elaborately interwoven web of deceit, murder and betrayal. As a voracious reader from the tender age of 7, Seheni’s’ love of the written word can be experienced through her naturally flowing and poised writing style. A dog lover, Seheni’s book is dedicated to her childhood companion Teddy, a Labrador who passed away. It is refreshing and indeed rare that this genre of murder mystery is explored by Sri Lankan writers, especially by a writer this young. The dedication and commitment showcased by her self-driven completion of a novel at such a young age is definitely laudable and indicates that the future will hold many more of her literary jewels to delight book lovers in Sri Lanka and the world over. Seheni is looking forward to the continuation of her writing career with another novel in the pipeline, this time in the ‘Horror’ genre.

For those who would like to find out what the book is all about and delve deep into the mind of a clever, young and upcoming Sri Lankan author, ‘The Chameleon’ is priced at Rs. 750 and is available at all Vijitha Yapa outlets – Thurstan, Crescat, Nugegoda, Kandy City Center, Galle, Matara, Katunayake Airport, Odel, Laksala – Col 7, Barefoot, Sarasavi – Nugegoda, Expographics – Battaramulla.